A blocked nose, also called nasal congestion, is quite common and occurs due to a build up of mucous, swelling in the nose, colds, flus, sinusitis, or due to certain allergens (substances that cause allergies). In short, a nasal congestion is caused due to inflammation in the inner membranes of the nostrils. Not only will this cause difficulty in breathing, if left untreated, it can also cause ear infections and sinus problems.

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Causes of a blocked, stuffy nose

Let’s take a quick look at the common causes of a nasal congestion:

• Flu
• Hay fever
• Allergies
• Sinusitis
• A deviated nasal septum
• Environmental irritants
• Certain chemicals
• Nasal polyps
• Benign tumors

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Common symptoms of a nasal congestion

The symptoms of a stuffy nose include:

• A blocked nose
• Sinus pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Sneezes
• Mucous buildup
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Swelling of nasal tissues

Home remedies for nasal congestion

But, as annoying and irritating a blocked nose can be, there are certain home remedies for nasal congestion that help ease the condition, bringing you relief very quickly. Let’s take a look at some of the most common natural remedies:

1. Apple cider vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar helps clear a blocked nose by thinning the mucous. Also, since it’s rich in several vital nutrients, it is good for your overall health and immunity too.

Remedy

• Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey into 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water. Drink this twice or thrice a day for a few days to help clear a blocked nose.

2. Basil

Basil is one of the world’s healthiest herbs, and is called the ‘king of herbs’ for good reason. It has many therapeutic properties, including easing a stuffy nose.

Remedies

• Before having breakfast, chew 3-4 fresh basil leaves. Repeat the same before going to bed at night.
• Make basil tea by boiling a few leaves in water for 5-6 minutes. Strain and add 1 teaspoon of honey and sip it to relieve the blocked nose.

3. Black pepper

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Black pepper is known to be highly effective against nasal congestion and blocked sinuses, by inducing sneezes. This helps clear a stuffy nose by getting rid of mucous and allergens that might be in your sinuses.

Remedies

• Put a pinch of ground black pepper on your palm, to which add 3 drops of sesame oil. Mix well and apply this under your nose. When you breathe it in, it will make you sneeze. Do not try to suppress it. Use this remedy as and when needed.
• To a cup of boiling water, add 1 teaspoon each of ground black pepper and honey. Let it steep for 15 minutes, before stirring it well. Sip this tea to get relief from a blocked nose.

4. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant, which helps clear a blocked nose easily. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties are great too.

Remedies

• Put 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil on a fresh handkerchief or a cotton ball and inhale the aroma. Use this remedy a few times a day.
• You can even add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil on your pillow before going to bed, so that you can benefit from its goodness even when you’re asleep.

5. Fenugreek

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Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory properties that help clear nasal congestion by cleansing the mucous membranes.

Remedy

• Crush 1-2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds into a powder. Add this to a glass of boiling water and strain the solution. Now drink this twice or thrice a day until you find relief from a stuffy nose.

6. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most effective home remedies for blocked nose. It has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, which help fight the respiratory infection that is caused by nasal congestion.

Remedies

• Add 2-3 garlic cloves to 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. To this, add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Let it cool down a bit and sip it every day until the congestion clears.
• Chew fresh garlic cloves as is to relieve stuffiness and discomfort.

7. Ginger

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Ginger works best to clear a stuffy nose. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties are an added benefit.

Remedies

• Chew a piece of fresh ginger as is to relief from a blocked nose.
• Grate an inch of fresh ginger and add it to half a glass of boiling water. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and splash of lemon juice. Let it sit for a bit and sip it twice or thrice daily to fix a stuffy nose.

8. Herbal tea

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Hot herbal tea is an excellent remedy to help clear a stuffy nose by thinning the mucous from your nasal passages. The herbs in the herbal tea also help flush out any toxins in your body, making it doubly beneficial.

Remedy

• Brew a cup of hot herbal tea of your choice and sip it a few times every day, till the congestion clears.

Pro tip: Peppermint tea is good for nasal congestion because of menthol that is present in it, which helps clear the nasal passages.

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9. Honey

Honey has antioxidant properties that helps de-clog nasal congestion.

Remedy

• Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure, raw honey into a glass of warm water and drink it every day, till you get relief from the congestion.

10. Hot soups

Mum’s hot chicken soup does have magical powers to help with nasal congestion. It could be hot vegetable soup too.

11. Lemon

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Lemon juice is low in pH, and is anti-bacterial. It is used in many traditional Ayurvedic treatments, which makes it effective to relieve nasal congestion.

Remedy

• Add a quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper and pinch of salt to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix well and apply this below your nose to get almost instant relief from a stuffy nose.

12. Onion

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Although this is a crude and temporary fix, you can try this remedy too.

Remedy

• Peel and chop an onion. Smell it for 4-5 minutes, till your eyes and nose start to water. It will clear your nasal passages, giving you relief from a stuffy nose.

13. Saline solution

Nasal irrigation with saline solution works best in relieving nasal congestion. Not only will it help cleanse mucous from your nasal passages, it also washes away other irritants too.

Remedy

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of distilled warm water. Use this solution for nasal irrigation with a neti pot or some other irrigation device. Use this remedy once or twice a day for a few days.

14. Steam inhalation

Inhalation is a very popular therapy to decongest a stuffy nose. It helps clear a blocked nose by acting as a natural expectorant, by lubricating the irritated respiratory tract.

Remedies

• Crush 1 tablespoon of carom seeds to a powder and add it to a glass of water. Bring this to a boil and inhale the steam rising off of it.
• Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to boiling water and inhale the steam.
• You can do the same by adding half a teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub to boiling water too.

Pro tip: This therapy is not usually recommended for small children as there’s a significant risk of scalding.

15. Tomato juice

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Tomato juice helps you get relief from a blocked nose by improving the flow of mucous through the nasal passages.

Remedy

• In saucepan, bring to boil 1 cup of tomato juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a splash of hot sauce, and a pinch of celtic sea salt. Stir well and let it cool for a bit. Drink this concoction twice every day, while it is still hot.

16. Vinegar

The acetic acid in the vinegar will help unblock a stuffy nose.

Remedy

• Bring to boil 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar and a glass of water. Now inhale the steam rising off of it to help relief a blocked nose.

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17. Warm water

A nasal congestion happens because of blocked mucous. This can be remedied with warm water, which helps keep the nasal passages moist and prevent them from drying out.

Remedies

• Use a humidifier to help open up blocked nasal passages.
• Take a hot shower for a while, so that the steam builds up in the bathroom. Now inhale this steam to help de-clog your stuffy nose. Repeat it twice every day till you find relief.
• Wet a soft washcloth in warm water and place it over your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, before taking it off. Repeat this remedy as many times as needed.

While these are some of the most effective home remedies for nasal congestion, you can also use these tips to prevent a stuffy nose in the first place:

• Use saline drops to keep your nasal passages wet
• Wash your bed linens regularly
• Clear off dust mites and germs by cleaning regularly
• Change the air filter of your heater and/or air conditioner regularly to keep it clean
• Use coil mist humidifiers.

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